NEA completes upgradation of Hetauda-Matatirtha Transmission Line

KATHMANDU, Jan 31: The second circuit of Hetauda Matatirtha Transmission Line is now ready for use. Officials of the transmission line project say that the test transmission of the second circuit of the 132 KVA line was successful. The doubling of the capacity will not only enable Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to import more electricity to Kathmandu but also brings energy from western part of the country if needed.

Kedar Raj Silwal, manager of the transmission line project, said that the test operation was successfully held on Saturday. “The line is ready for use now. We only need to demolish a house under the second circuit cable along the route,” he added. Earlier, the transmission line would support transmission of only 100 MW generated by two Kulekhani plants. Now, it can supply 200 MW. “If necessary, we can also bring electricity generated by Kaligandaki 'A' Hydropower Project and other projects in the western Nepal to Kathmandu,” added Silwal. Construction of Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission Line completed two weeks ago, paving the way for connecting power generated in Dolakha to the Tarai region. This has improved power supply to Birgunj.

Likewise, work to build a substation in Chapali is also going on in a fast pace. Construction work gained pace after new NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising put the project in priority and expedited it accordingly. “This substation will be ready in two months. It will strengthen power supply system to the Kathmandu Valley as well as reduces existing low quality voltage. It can also transmit electricity to Bhatkapur and vice versa,” Bodnath Neupane, electrical engineer of the substation project, said. Currently, electricity is transmitted from Balaju and Chabahil via a long 11 KVA transmission line, resulting to more system loss and low voltage problem.